Classifying and Characterizing Vocal Tremor (VT) Physiology…and Other Shaky Topics

Presenter: Julie Barkmeier-Kraemer, PhD, CCC-SLP, Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Utah

Abstract: Tremor is one of the most common movement disorders in the world affecting ~5% of those 60 years of age and older. Approximately 1/3 of those with essential tremor exhibit vocal tremor (VT). Further, VT can occur without, or with other neurological comorbidities such as essential tremor, dystonia, or Parkinson’s disease. Frequently, severe VT is clinically confused with spasmodic dysphonia, more recently referred to as laryngeal dystonia (LD). Improved systematic characterization of VT clinical features and associated physiology could improve current clinical approaches used to classify and optimize treatment planning. Importantly, greater precision in VT classification would advance insights regarding neural pathways of tremor affecting the limbs versus speech structures potentially leading to development of future novel treatment targets. This presentation will summarize current clinical research efforts to characterize distinguishing clinical features and associated physiology of tremor affecting speech structures to inform VT classification criteria.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Communication Sciences and Disorders in advance at 319-467-3070.

Friday, September 30, 2022 12:00pm
Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center
308
250 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
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Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Elena Gorney in advance at 319-467-3070 or elena-gorney@uiowa.edu.